Red Ives cabin applications due

OUTHOUSE – The lottery drawing is coming up for summer reservations at a popular Forest Service “cabin” on the St. Joe River.

Applications for staying at the former forest service employee home at Red Ives from Memorial Day weekend through Sept. 30 must be received by Feb. 28 at the St. Joe Ranger District, Avery Office, 34 Hoyt Dr., Avery, ID 83802.

High demand prompted officials to book the facility on the popular fishing and floating river rather than put it on the national Internet reservation system.

More than 400 applications were received for the 2010 season, but only 50 applicants were granted reservations before the open season was filled.

Red Ives lottery applications – and details about reserving several other cabin and lookout rentals on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests – are available online at fs.usda.gov/ipnf.

Take camera to LPO refuge

OUTCOMPETE – The Friends of the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge are sponsoring a photo contest for images made at the 41,568-acre refuge southeast of Colville.

Deadline is Aug. 15. Entry form available by e-mail from janderson@ ultraplix.com.

Wildlife officers eye shock value

OUTSTUN – Electrifying news came this week from the Washington Fish and Wildlife Department:

Wildlife enforcement officers are doing the preliminary work required to be able to equip themselves with Tasers.